DDC Dinner NOT at Lucia's Ristorante

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DDC Dinner NOT at Lucia's Ristorante

I missed Lucia's on my first pass, as the lights were out at the place. Rich Pawlak had rescheduled from Tues. to Thurs., but that afternoon he learned that the chef was still in Florida for family matters.

He called Scoats who called his pal Dave at Macaroni's on Old Busleton Ave. near Welsh Rd. who set a table for 20. So this is the story of my first pseudo DDC dinner. And a splendid dinner it was!

I arrived at Lucia's to see a bunch of people holding wine bottles in front of the closed establishment. Applying my consultative skills, I said, "You must be the Chowhounds." We made introductions while we waited for most on Rich's list. After leaving a note on Lucia's door, we headed for our cars. The kid at the pizza joint in the same mall asked my why all those people were standing around in front of a closed restoraunt.

Many ordered what were generous pours from the variety of wines by the glass. The freshly sliced bread and roasted peppers were replenished as we chatted, looked at the menus and waited for Dave to tell us the specials. Several of us shared the fresh oyster app that somebody who's recited details for a living would better describe.

I was swept away by my grilled veal chop stuffed with mushrooms and cheese. The grilled outside and the pink and tender inside was this carnevour's delight. Scoats asked Dave to pick his meal and that was his choice.

I enjoyed tastes of the rack of lamb, the tuna, and a small taste of the very hot sauce on Rich's chicken. Good thing he had plenty of water, but he didn't leave much on his plate.

I have no idea what was going on at the other end of the long table, but they also were smiling as we left.

Since we ordered from the menu and the bar, all of us were way over budget. Dave provided separate or couples checks that made settling up easy. That was consistant with Macaroni's service all evening.

I've only recently found this board and it was fun to put some faces with several of the names. I'm looking forward to the next one that, hopefully, will cause the organizer less hassle.